Ever since experiencing a childhood trauma, reclusive artist CC Calhoun has suffered from panic attacks. But when a fateful kiss from handsome wide receiver, Kevin “Tuck” Tucker, is enough to stop one of those episodes cold, she wonders if guarding her heart has been the right choice. Will going on a test date with Tuck open her to trusting someone for the first time in years? Or will she wind up being just another notch in the football player’s bedpost?
Tuck has a reputation for charming women into bed, but after his kiss with CC, he’s left aching for more. When he proposes a second date, his attraction to the sexy blonde looks like the makings of true love—something he’s never quite believed in—until now. But when Tuck discovers CC’s childhood secrets, will the pro athlete be tough enough to stay by her side—or will he betray her hard-earned trust?
I'm a a wife, mother and really young grandmother. Together with my high school sweet heart husband, a neurotic Pomeranian and a blind cat, I call Phoenix home because the southwest feeds my soul. My love of the romance genre has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories shared with others. Today I'm a seven-year survivor living the dream.
Raised on the concept that a stranger is just one conversation away from being a friend, I love meeting new people. My friends call me Mac. I hope you will too.
This was such a sweet story! CC went through something awful as a child and has never full recovered from it. She's kind of a recluse, avoiding crowds and a lot of social situations. She's never dated and prefers to stay anonymous with her art. That all changes when she meets Tuck outside of a coffee shop and in the middle of a panic attack he kisses her. His kiss calms her down. Tuck is the last guy who CC should be with. He's the super famous football player and known ladies man. Tuck doesn't do relationships and just likes to have fun. He notices something is different about CC and the way she makes him feel so he is willing to do whatever he can to help her get over her fears before he leaves for training camp.
This was a really sweet and fun romance. Tuck and CC were super adorable together and I loved the dates they went on to help CC get over her fears. Tuck was so patient with her but didn't treat her like a helpless child either. He knew she was strong and just wanted her to see it for herself. This was a low-angst, super sweet romance and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a strong heroine. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Upon reading the blurb, I worried that this story might veer into cliche territory. Since football players (and athletes in general) frequently star as romance novel heroes, something else must be present to distinguish one similarly-themed novel from the next...for me, anyway.
In this case, there were a lot of elements for me to get excited about!
The fact that the heroine's art remained at the forefront, rather than featuring what Tuck did as a living, made me exceedingly happy. I also liked how the two main characters met, the baseball scene, and Natalie's "abilities"--all of which felt very fresh and fun.
To Win Her Trust is a lighthearted endeavor that had me giddy, and often smiling to myself. I appreciated that there wasn't any unnecessary angst or over-the-top drama, especially since the heroine had already been through so much. The characters, for the most part, acted with admirable maturity.
Tuck is a doll! Serious book boyfriend material all the way.
For a sweet, uplifting story, To Win Her Trust is a safe bet!
I absolutely adored this book! I must admit I was surprised while reading when characters from a previous book popped up. I hadn't even realized that it was the second book in what looks like is going to be an awesome series. CC Calhoun suffers from panic attacks. Kevin Tucker is a wide receiver who is very much a player. So you have got to read and find out what happens when these two opposites attract. **This copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
There are times Tuck is just off his game, “of course you don’t.” He opened his eyes to meet her gaze. “Sex complicates things, CC. Especially for a… when you’re a…” He held out a flat hand and indicated her body. “You know.” He can be real smooth when he wants to be, “relax, sunshine. I’ve got your back.” His gaze slid over her chest before popping up to twinkle at her. “And your front.” I love this series, the characters are always likable and loving.
Thanks to an unhappy event in her past CC Calhoun is prone to panic attacks. When a moment outside a coffee shop results in an onset of a panic attack a stranger steps up to help.
Kevin "Tuck" Tucker is a well known football player. Tuck is also known as a player but one woman has grabbed attention.
Tuck does the first thing that comes to mind when confronted with CC's panic attack....he kisses her. CC is shocked for no one has ever been able to stop her in mid-attack. CC sets up a plan to cross of a list of things that have held her back from fully enjoying life, and she implores Tuck to help.
CC and Tuck try to keep their relationship out of the spot light while making public visits to help CC. One such outing resulted in more attention then they were prepared for. While hiding out until news dies down CC and Tuck grow closer.
A misunderstanding has Tuck going off to camp and CC focusing on her art. A long overdue reunion leads to CC aiming to mark off the last bump on her list.
Kevin Tucker.... you get an A++ in my book. You sure know how to make a girl forget all her fears!
CC Calhoun has a fear of being around a lot of people. As an artist, she works from home, and only leaves her house for coffee, food, and the gym. As her birthday is coming, her goal is to conquer her fears and live life.
When Kevin Tucker saves her from a panic attack outside a coffee shop, CC had an idea. Since Tuck is going to training camp soon, she can learn some things from a temporary relationship. He's known to be a player so she knows she doesn't need to get attached to him. It's the perfect plan. Three weeks, and three weeks only.
Tuck is just an amazing guy. He listens to everything CC is saying and not saying. The time they spent together was perfect, and I loved every moment.
I also loved how some of the characters from the previous book were involved. I missed them so much! Although I liked To Win Her Love better, this was a cute romance story.
Short review. This was a fun, sexy read. A star football player, Tuck, who was a big flirt, a fun and cute flirt really. Our heroine, Lexie was an artist who was kidnaped for several days at the young age of nine. She has lived with the after effects of the experience, which left her with anxiety attacks and fear of crowds and people.
These two meet at a coffee shop, during that meeting the heroine finds the hero has the ability to "distract" these attacks. Tuck becomes smitten with Lexie and pursues her. Lexie finds she is very attracted to Tuck and believes maybe he can help cure her of her attacks as well as help her learn to date and deal with people and crowds. Tuck is more than happy to help. So the two agree on a three week plan of dating and maybe some "exploring" too. :))))
This was a really good read! It was simple, fun with a little tug here and there at your heart. Kevin "Tuck" Tucker is immediately gobsmacked when he meets CC for the first time in a coffee shop. The entire book we get his charming and light humor to keep the book fun. CC was a great heroine. She's pushing herself to live her life rather than be a survivor . Although she has a lot of anxiety and issues to work through, she was more than that and all spunky, sassy and a really fun heroine.
I really liked her cousin, Kris. Favorite line was when she left to get a mani/pedi and referred to it as paws and claws. I hope we see her in a future story.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Kensington Books for an honest review. Excited for book 3 and more time to spend in this world!
I absolutely LOVED this book!! I thought CC was such a strong determined character. After everything she endured in her young life I was amazed she could function at all. With Kevin/Tuck's help she struggled through her challenges and got her life back. While doing that she showed Tuck how fantastic life could be. Tuck was so yummy! Kind, caring, funny. Everything CC needed. Definitely a book I recommend to everyone.
I’m so in loved with Kevin Tucker,a very sweet,funny and charming hero. I wanted him to be my real boyfriend. Aside from him,I adored also the heroine,CC, she’s also sweet,smart and kind. They were lucky to have each other.
It was absolutely one of my favorite read from this year. The story was great, I could say that the storyline was as usual but It made different because of the charming couple. They made a great cast because of their attitude and feelings toward each other and the others. So i just loved them both.
It was a fun ,light and sweet cheessy read for me!! I did loved the scene from the last part declaring CC her loved toward Tuck. It made my hearts melt!!
My favorite line “ Dreams were nothing to be ignored,especially when they were about to come true” totally agreed to this one.
A great work from this author,Mackenzie Crowne, even this one my first read from her.
This was a cute quick read and the second in Crowne's Players Series. The great thing is the book can be read as a stand alone though characters from the first book do make appearances throughout. Tuck, the wide receiver from Jake's team has been the ultimate player. Things change quickly when he meets and helps CC through a panic attack outside the coffee shop where CC saw some of Tuck's moves with the barista. Despite her attraction to Tuck and him helping her deal with something which has plagued her for years, she knows he is not the right man for her.
Tuck can't get CC from his mind and CC is looking for someone to help her come out of her shell. The two come to an arrangement and along the way their relationship blooms into something different. As their arrangement comes to a close, some misunderstandings get in the way of their developing feelings but it all is resolved in the end.
This was a cute book and was an enjoyable read. Though CC has a past which affects her, I don't feel like I got to know each of the characters really well. The ending was a little rushed and parts were predictable. Overall, still a cute quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.......
This was my first Mackenzie Crowne book and I was not dissapointed !!. This is CC and Tucks story. CC has a bad past which insights panic attacks and Tuck is a popular football player. These two should not gel but boy oh boy do they !!!!
This book had me at the kiss !!!!
Fantastic read. Endearing, witty and just feel good read. Even though I had not read book one, the characters from that book I very much warmed to. All round winner for me !!
A BIG well done Mackenzie !!. Many thanks Netgalley for this opportunity x
I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
This is the first book I have read by Mackenzie Crowne and I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story. This is the second stand-alone book in the Players series and it is a lighthearted story with engaging characters.
This story centers on CC Calhoun, a shy woman who is uncomfortable around men and has panic attacks whenever she is in a large group of people. She has never dated and has a low opinion of men, due to her inconsiderate rock star father. She has learned to live her life without getting into situations that will cause a panic attack but she is ready to make some changes and try to live a normal life. CC asks Kevin “Tuck” Tucker to help her with her issues.
Tuck is an NFL football player content with his life as a fun loving womanizer. However, once he meets CC, there is something about her that keeps pulling him to her, he want to protect her and help her learn to control her fears. He has never felt this way before and his strong feelings for CC surprise him. Tuck is easy to like, he is thoughtful and kind to CC and an exciting guy to be around. Tuck helps CC lighten up and enjoy life and in turn, CC helps Tuck see women as more than just a romp in the sack. As Tuck and CC spend more time together, they form a strong bond. Tuck is charismatic and CC enjoys spending time with him, but she realizes she has to hold on to heart, because Tuck is not a one woman guy. She knows Tuck has everything going for him and she is a mess. I love that Tuck takes the time to get to know CC and truly wants to help her. CC doesn’t realize her worth; she has a lot going for her, she just needs more confidence. This is a cute, sweet story with a lot of chemistry between Tuck and CC. Although CC does have some issues, there is not a lot of angst in this entertaining story.
This book was sweet and sexy and so satisfying, like a warm cuddle after a hard day. I have read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think you could easily read this as a standalone without missing too much.
I really liked both CC and Tuck. CC has so many problems – all of them understandable – yet she’s also smart and talented and a lot stronger than she thinks she is. I loved how much she changed and blossomed under Tuck’s support and attention. She was great to read about – even if I could see the way things were bound to go from a long way out.
As for Tuck… well, wow. On paper he seems like a complete jerk and his weird best friend rivalry that cropped up with Jake in the last book definitely didn’t make me much of a fan, but in this book – all bets are off. This guy is gorgeous and a definite keeper. Yes, he’s a player and a flirt and has something of an ego, but the way he takes care of CC is just wonderful. I loved how things played out between them whether it was sweet, sensual or sexy – these two make the best team.
I also really liked catching glimpses of characters from the last book – not to mention hints for the next one. The dogs were fun too, even if Walter isn’t quite as crazy as Murphy.
So if you’re looking for something to brighten your day with a nice amount of heat, two characters who are made for each other, plenty of friendly teasing and a bit of canine fun, this book has all of that and more. The sports side of things doesn’t really come up this time, but the characters are good enough to make up for any potential disappointment there. I cannot wait to read the next one, because if it’s anything like the rest of the series so far I am going to love it.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from publisher via net-galley
This series is my favorite by Mackenzie Crowne! She writes from the heart and she pulls you in from the get go. This is book 2 in The Players Series. It can be read as a standalone but you will be left wanting to read the first book in the series.
This is the story of Kevin "Tuck" Tucker and CC Calhoun
Tuck is Wide Receiver for the Manhattan Marauders who has a reputation with the ladies.
CC is an artist, she mainly does sculptures, she suffers from severe panic attacks from a trama that happened during her childhood. She goes by Anonymous in the art world, because she doesn't want people knowing who she is.
Tuck sees CC in the middle of a panic attack and he takes matters into his hands. He stops the panic attack cold. CC has been trying to move past them so she can live life.
CC gets an idea and asks her agent to help her out, but he turns her down, but the persistent Tuck over hears her request and offers his services.
Will CC take Tuck up on the offer? What will happen when CC's true identity is revealed? Is there anything Tuck can to to get CC to trust him?
What I loved about this book is that Mac pulls you in from the beginning and you want and need to know more about the characters in the book. You want to know more about the secondary characters as well.
She makes you feel what the characters are feeling and makes you want better for them. She has a way of pulling at your heart strings.
I recommend this book and series to any sports romance fans out there!
CC Calhoun had a traumatic event in her life when she was a young girl and suffers with panic attacks and has fears of large crowds of people. But when a panic attack starts in front of Kevin Tucker, a man she met in a coffee shop, and he kisses her, he stops it in it's tracks. Kevin Tucker is a wide receiver who has a reputation for being a ladies man. She decides to go on a few "test dates" with him to see if it's possible for her to overcome her fears. She has a lot of secrets and for Tuck is determined to uncover them all and show her that she is different than any other girl he's been with, but she's got a lot of trust issues.
I really loved this one! I couldn't wait for this one after "meeting" Tuck in the first book of the series, and this one definitely didn't let me down. Tuck was a lot different than what I expected he was going to be like. I knew he was a nice guy (because of the first one), but I expected to see more of his "man-whore" ways. He was such a sweetheart to CC. I liked that even though CC was very emotionally damaged from her past, she still had a strong backbone and was pretty tough. There were a few parts that I had already guessed before it got to it, but it didn't bother me. I enjoyed seeing the characters from the first one again too! It's fun glimpsing back to see how their relationship is still developing. Great series! Can't wait for the next one!
** I received a free copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
I thought I fell in love with Jake in the first book of the Players Series TO WIN HER LOVE ... it was great to see him and Gracie and the family again throughout this one .... but I was only infatuated with him. My heart belongs to Tuck! Great read! Well written and draws many emotions out of you as you read it. There is so much humor packed in with the seriousness ... I spent at least half the book with a dumb smile on my face just hoping the people around me didn't think I was crazy, but I couldn't help it! Tuck's exaggerated ego & flirting combined with CC's feisty sass and hilarious dog just did it for me.
CC Calhoun has lived most of her life in fear. Fear of strangers, fear of crowds, fear of attention, etc. She has vowed to herself to get out more and try to improve her life.
Kevin "Tuck" Tucker, handsome wide receiver for the Manhattan Marauders, happens upon CC and witnesses her going into one of her panic attacks, and decides to kiss her as a distraction. It works! CC is blown away that a kiss could actually make her breathe again and nip her attack in the bud.
CC decides to test the theory and see if it will work all the time, and Tuck volunteers to be her test subject. Will their plan help heal her and let her have a better life again? And will temporary go out the door when they enjoy the time they spend together?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
CC Calhoun has some big phobias she is determined to conquer by her next birthday. While waiting for coffee at a coffee shop, the guy at the counter is holding up the line while flirting with the barista. When he turns around to respond to several peoples’ comments, CC can’t help but notice how handsome he is, but she can definitely tell he’s a player. Kevin “Tuck” Tucker plays for the Manhattan Marauders and embodies the word “Player”, but when he turns around and sees the blonde behind him, he can’t get her out of his mind. When she starts to go into a panic attack, he does the first thing that comes to mind, kiss her. Now that he’s kissed her, he’s as determined as ever to track her down.
The best thing about this book and this author, is how she can take an unlikable character at the beginning of a story and completely change them around. When I started reading the book, it was abundantly clear that Tuck is a womanizing dog, even though he’s pretty honest about it. When reading from CC’s POV, she is automatically likable and you really feel for her and how she lives, so it amps up the unlikabilty of Tuck. As the story goes on and we see him changing through his POV, you start to like him as you see him change and his feelings grow. It was an excellent story. I highly recommend.
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Great book that I got from Net Galley for an honest review. Tuck is a big football star & CC is an artist trying to get her life under control. She meets Tuck accidentally when she's in line for coffee & he's ahead of her trying to win the good graces of the female employee behind the counter. After getting his coffee he unexpectedly saves CC from a panic attack on the street surrounded by people staring at her as she tries to rein in her unruly dog. Her life has been anything but normal since she was a young girl & she's made a promise to herself that by her next birthday she's going to overcome her fears. Tuck's kiss pulls her out of her panic mode & sets the idea in her head of how to get past her fears. Tuck becomes a big part of her plan & before either of them know it they're becoming closer than the ever thought they would. Only the past can disrupt her life & it looks as if it's going to do it in spades. Her sculpting & Tuck are keeping CC calm & their time together is running out. Loved this book by Mackenzie Crowne & can't wait for the next book to come out. Definite recommend.
To Win her Trust is the second book in the Player's series. I loved book one and I am pleased to say this one was even better. Kevin 'Tuck' Tucker is a pro football player who we had meet in To Win Her Love. He has this notoriety for loving women, lots of them. He has a run in CC who calls his bs as he tries hitting on a barista in the coffee shop. CC has been known to have panic attacks and for that reason sticks normally to herself. After a mishap outside the shop and her an Tuck experience an embarrassing moment, panic sets it. Tuck decides to KISS her out of it. This is where CC's plan comes into play. She decides to recruit Tuck into her plan and see if her theory will work. Tuck to me is player only on the outside and I think he sees it too. He accepts CC plan, and the two of them forge a bit of friendship. CC has to let go of her fears in order to see the life she could have. This love story is one that doesn't seem too likely, but hopefully both of them will have faith in each other to go the distance and get that touchdown called love. 5/5 Cross posting to My Reading Reality.
**I received a advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is January 5th, 2016. **
Although this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I had not read the first story when I picked this one up and it in no way impacted the enjoyment of this.
This review will be short. If you like your female characters somewhat damaged while still being strong in their own right then this story will work for you. If you like your male characters with great looks and charm to spare than this story will meet your needs. If the concept of a knight in white armour coming to rescue you lead, look no further.
This story delivers with enough drama, romance and sexy time to appeal to fans of this genre. I say just pick it up, you will not be disappointed
To Win Her Trust is the second in the series. If you loved Gracie and Jake and wanted more of Tuck, well you got your wish.
Tuck is the wide receiver for the Marauders and a playboy to boot, but his flirting ways may land him in a place he never expected to be. Caught in love at first sight. For Cece she's had quite a history and her parent's are not perfect. But suffering from panic attacks and fears...those she battles daily. While watching Tuck work his magic and get shot down, she can't believe he's the one who can stop a panic attack with just a kiss.
Its a fun story or two people who are trying to adjust to new situations. For Tuck being with a woman and not wanting it to end and for Cece over coming her fears and panic attacks. I really enjoyed this one.
**ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
To Win Her Trust was the first book written by Mackenzie Crowne that I have read and I LOVED it! It was such a sweet, fun read with a good, solid story. One of those awesome books that really sucked me in!
The issues that CC dealt with in life were issues that I could somewhat relate it. It was exciting to watching her as she grew and evolved in the story. And Tuck?? Totally swoon worthy. He was such a fun character. Together, CC and Tuck made me laugh out loud. I couldn’t help but root for them to take their arrangement and turn it into a relationship.
I really loved this book and will definitely be checking out the other works written by Mackenzie Crowne.
To Win Her Trust by Makenzie Crowne was a touchdown for me. This was such a sweet enjoyable story, I absolutely loved it. MacKenzie writes a strong storyline with great romance that brought a smile to my face. The characters were so well written and you felt you knew them. CC is this beautiful woman with some issues and Tuck is a hot football player that has all the materials to be your next book boyfriend. Will these two be able to make it work being total opposites? This is the second book in this series and what a great series it is turning out to be. This book and series should definitely be on your to be read list. Way to go Mackenzie you are one of my favorite authors.
I was given an ARC of this book by publisher via NetGalley, for my honest review.
Although this series is centered around the Marauders football team, this story has very little to do with football and is centered more around the heroine instead of the hero. This is a great story about perseverance and taking control of life. The characters are very likable, easy to relate to. The story holds the reader's attention, flows nicely and is well written. I loved seeing Jake and Gracie again and the way they welcomed CC to the group.
ARC received from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book just as much as the first. Tuck is a ladies man but with a heart of gold. CC is trying to live her life as best as she can and trying to beat her anxiety with life over what happened when she was younger. When the Sexy Tuck is there to help her fight off a panic attack, CC has a plan to lose all her fears. When Tucker agrees to help CC neither one knew how this would all play out. A must read book that will have you laughing, crying and over the moon happy.
I loved this story . CC is full of spunk and is a very determined young lady , when it comes to getting her point across especially to Tuck . I thought they made a real sweet couple . Loved it .